Sennheiser HD 598 Appreciation Thread - Page 103

Quote:

Originally Posted by dorino 

I still very much like this headphone as far as sound, but when it comes to looks, despite it obviously trying to be a selling point, it just doesn't last. The headband padding falling off, the wood scratching, the mesh paint being knicked, the headphone paint being chipped... This is all with *babying* the headphones. When they're set down, it's gentle. They don't fall off any desks, and I don't pick them up in any weird way.

 

They look good out of the box. Give them time and they fall apart cosmetically. Functionally, still good.

Can't say I've encountered any of these issues.  I do not baby my headphones in the slightest.  Dropped em a couple of times, toss em on the bed sometimes.  Not only has nothing fallen off, but I haven't even encountered the cracking issue. (Granted that was fixed by my batch of cans.)  Only issue I have is a bit of squeaking when I put em on.  Sure the Sennheiser doesn't build tanks, but they are hardly made from glass. 

Quote:

Originally Posted by MegaMushroom 

 

Can't say I've encountered any of these issues.  I do not baby my headphones in the slightest.  Dropped em a couple of times, toss em on the bed sometimes.  Not only has nothing fallen off, but I haven't even encountered the cracking issue. (Granted that was fixed by my batch of cans.)  Only issue I have is a bit of squeaking when I put em on.  Sure the Sennheiser doesn't build tanks, but they are hardly made from glass. 

I've owned 3 different pairs of these. Two shipped to me damaged - be it chipped paint or chipped wood. The current pair has been babied and has still got (admittedly small) paint chips on the cup, the headband, and the headband padding.

Right now, Sennheiser tells me that they'll "let" me send the headphones in to be inspected, and if they determine something's wrong, they'll fix the headband. The tech also reiterated that all my problems are caused by the headphone pad, despite what I've said, and that I need to buy a new one.

EDIT: Sennheiser clarified. If they are sent in, the headphones will be inspected and the pad replaced as a courtesy. Disregard my ranting. Despite being fragile as far as finish, Sennheiser support triumphs yet again.

Could anyone suggest a decent amp (preferably not portable) to pair with the hd598s that would also function well with upper mid-fi cans if (when!) I decide to upgrade?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Xaverian 

Could anyone suggest a decent amp (preferably not portable) to pair with the hd598s that would also function well with upper mid-fi cans if (when!) I decide to upgrade?

I know everyone recommends the O2 amp these days but it's the way to go. It can power the majority of phones out there, with the exception of a few dynamic headphones and electrostat headphones. 

P.S. I consider the HD 598 to be upper mid-fi. 

The HD598 is definitely on the upper end of mid-fi! The O2 works perfectly with it and, frankly, I wouldn't recommend another amp unless you're on a 50 dollar budget (then I'd recommend a Cmoy - the Cmoy is more portable)

Quote:

Originally Posted by NimbleTurtle 

Quote:

Originally Posted by Xaverian 

Could anyone suggest a decent amp (preferably not portable) to pair with the hd598s that would also function well with upper mid-fi cans if (when!) I decide to upgrade?

I know everyone recommends the O2 amp these days but it's the way to go. It can power the majority of phones out there, with the exception of a few dynamic headphones and electrostat headphones. 

 

P.S. I consider the HD 598 to be upper mid-fi. 

I have HE-400 and 598, do you recommend O2 ? Currenly I am using with E17..how much improved SQ I can expect from from O2, 15% or more? Please suggest

Quote:

Originally Posted by Headstar 

Which one sounds better?

Yes, please. If I can't force myself to cough up enough money for the HD 650, the HD 598 and HE-400 are next on my list.

I did post my findings earlier, check post 1516,

I read few postings that…..HD598 is like watching 720p movie on 70mm screen and HE-400 like on 1080p on 40 inch LCD tv….but I do not agree with that statement

If I have own only one……then it would be HE-400, but then only few Head-if’er limit themselves to one hp….. I am addicted 598 vocals…will never let them go…missing smooth presentation from them is big no no for me..…

currently using 598 for vocal songs and HE-400 for everything else….D2K is catching dust….I may sell it soon….

It's worth noting that the HE-400 is more expensive than the HD598 - 250 dollars versus 400 dollars - so any time the HD598 is still worthwhile it's impressive.

Even though I am great admirer of 598….I would say HE-400 is certainly worth 150$ more…it truly justify the extra cost…HE-400 is extremely detailed and gives magical performance from those planar drivers….as I admitted if one hp then I would prefer He-400…but then it lacks the sound stage and speaker like performance that 598 has…these two complement each other and I enjoy both of them…

Quote:

Originally Posted by musicinmymind 

Even though I am great admirer of 598….I would say HE-400 is certainly worth 150$ more…it truly justify the extra cost…HE-400 is extremely detailed and gives magical performance from those planar drivers….as I admitted if one hp then I would prefer He-400…but then it lacks the sound stage and speaker like performance that 598 has…these two complement each other and I enjoy both of them…

I can't disagree. Just pointing out that with such a large jump in price, the HD598 probably isn't the Sennheiser you should be considering.

Quote:

Originally Posted by musicinmymind 

I have HE-400 and 598, do you recommend O2 ? Currenly I am using with E17..how much improved SQ I can expect from from O2, 15% or more? Please suggest

E17 probably cannot drive the HE-400 well enough. But I do not know much about the hifiman planar magnetic lines so don't trust me. 

I heard the O2 is good enough for the LCD 2 so I presume it would be great for the HE-400 as well. "Improved SQ" is a matter of perspective. The O2 should be more transparent, slightly wider soundstage, no coloration, and quieter (though both are probably inaudible). 

Quote:

Originally Posted by dorino 

Quote:

Originally Posted by musicinmymind 

Even though I am great admirer of 598….I would say HE-400 is certainly worth 150$ more…it truly justify the extra cost…HE-400 is extremely detailed and gives magical performance from those planar drivers….as I admitted if one hp then I would prefer He-400…but then it lacks the sound stage and speaker like performance that 598 has…these two complement each other and I enjoy both of them…

I can't disagree. Just pointing out that with such a large jump in price, the HD598 probably isn't the Sennheiser you should be considering.

You are right, HD650 would be better consideration...I understand your point... Honestly though, there's no cheap way to great sound, but it's all very well to say one headphone can compete with another though pricing and come out as winner…